News

Research Aims to Save Taxpayers Billions in 2020

Beginning today, residents in the Savannah, Ga., area can fill out the 2015 Census Test questionnaire online. The test census will help the U.S. Census Bureau evaluate technologies and advertising methods that will improve the efficiency of 2020 Census operations, thereby saving money while maintaining the Census Bureau's commitment to quality data.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today issued a statement announcing two new Commerce Department actions focused on strengthening American manufacturing. The first is a joint White House supply chain innovation report, which highlights the increasingly important role small and medium sized manufacturers play in creating and retaining manufacturing jobs and investment in the United States. The second is a public-private partnership competition aimed at further supporting small manufacturers.

Washington, D.C. – March 13, 2015 – The Department of Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) released a new report today, entitled "The Importance of Data Occupations in the U.S. Economy," that explores the importance of data jobs and their impact on the U.S. economy.

Austin, TX – Department of Commerce Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Dr. Mark Doms will join Former Texas State Comptroller Susan Combs today at the SXSW Conference* to discuss what's happening in the open data space at the Federal and State levels, and how governments can work together to tackle our data challenges, to better serve the American people and help grow the economy.

Washington – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker issued the following statement today on the release of the January 2015 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services data. The goods and services trade deficit improved by $3.9 billion to $41.8 billion in January. Record monthly levels were reached in exports of insurance and other business services. U.S. exports of goods and services decreased to $189.4 billion in January from $195 billion in December 2014.

December 2014 business inventories were $1,764.4 billion, up 0.1 percent from November and up 3.9 percent from December 2013. Sales were $1,331.2 billion, down 0.9 percent from the previous month but up 0.9 percent from one year earlier.

January 2015 retail and food services sales were $439.8 billion, a decrease of 0.8 percent from December 2014 but up 3.3 percent from January 2014. Excluding automobiles, retail and food services sales in January 2014 were $349.4 billion, down 0.9 percent from the prior month but up 1.7 percent from one year earlier.

December 2014 wholesale inventories were $547.6 billion, up 0.1 percent from the revised November level and up 6.7 percent from December 2013. Sales were $449.8 billion, down 0.4 percent from the revised November level but up 1.4 percent from December 2013.

American Businesses Drive Record Goods Exports to 52 Countries

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that U.S. exports in 2014 set a record for the fifth consecutive year, reaching $2.35 trillion. International Trade in U.S. Goods and Services data released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce show that U.S. exports are up more than $760 billion since 2009.

Pages

About the Economics & Statistics Administration

The Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) plays three key roles within the Department of Commerce (DOC). ESA provides timely economic analysis, disseminates national economic indicators, and oversees the U.S. Census Bureau (Census) and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). In this latter role, ESA works closely with the leadership at BEA and Census on high priority management, budget, employment, and risk management issues, integrating the work of these agencies with the priorities and requirements of the Department of Commerce and other government entities.